Sir, - I wish to complain about the delay in the payment of maintenance grants by Dublin Corporation. I am in my sixth week of second-year studies and have been informed that it will probably be at least another three weeks before the first instalment is paid.
With a mere 23p in my bank account, I am finding the going extremely tough. My inability to purchase certain textbooks has resulted in me falling behind in some courses.
The Government consistently advocates a policy of equal access to education, yet the real situation is the opposite. Not only have I had to overcome a points system which is weighted against people from my background but, having achieved my place in university, I and many more like me have to contend with local authorities who insist on delaying payments for as long as possible in order, it seems, to gain from any interest accumulated.
It is within the power of the Minister for Education, Mr Martin, to rectify this situation and ease the burden on already overburdened families. - Is mise, etc.,
From Niamh McDonnell
Monasterboice Road, Dblin 12.